Theo Walcott has branded his feelings following a deadline-day loan deal from Everton to Southampton as “sad but excited” while speaking to TalkSPORT (6th October, 10.20am).
Walcott has rejoined the Saints on a season-long loan deal. The Englishman joined the Toffees from Arsenal in 2018 for £20 million but the move hasn’t quite worked out for him.
The 31-year-old has played 85 times for Everton in all competitions, scoring 11 times and providing nine assists. Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival has ramped up the Toffees’ level and it was always going to be difficult for Walcott to get regular game time.
The situation took a further hit when Everton signed James Rodriguez. The Colombian has played in Walcott’s position and has arguably been the club’s best player in every game so far this season.
If Walcott wanted to play regularly he had to leave the club, and he completed a loan move back to the club that first gave him a chance in the Premier League 15 years ago.
That’s an exceptional deal for all parties involved. Everton get some of his wages off the bill, Southampton have bolstered their attack and Walcott can hope to play regularly in the Premier League again.
Walcott told TalkSPORT: “It’s very sad, but quite exciting for myself, going back to where it all started.
“I just couldn’t turn it down. Everton made this deal happen and it means a lot. People maybe think (I’m) going back to settle down but that’s not the case.
“I can still play at the highest level. I keep myself in good shape. I feel younger than I actually am.
“I have no regrets at all, I’m popping in today and it will hit me then. Carlo is a brilliant appointment for the club but unfortunately it hasn’t worked out.”
Walcott will be looking to hit the ground running at Southampton. His debut game is likely to be against Chelsea after the international break, a team against whom he has scored six times in all competitions.
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